I’d heard about what a great race the Timberman Half is and I’d have to agree. They do a really good job organizing this race. And it’s in New Hampshire so it’s just beautiful.

I was really looking forward to this race as my training has really been coming along. I did have one slight problem race week and that was my job. It involved an all-nighter on Wednesday in preparation for a new business pitch and a last minute business trip to Chicago on Friday, which got me into New Hampshire at 3 AM on Saturday morning.  But that is the life of an age grouper. 

And then the race unfolded kinda like this.

It started with a solid 30 minute swim, although truth be told I was shooting for 28 or maybe a hair faster. And the bike wasn’t bad either. I’d been getting some good mileage in and some intense rides, too. The run was the tough part, as it usually is.

The run is set-up like many races. It’s a two loop out and back course with some rollers thrown in there. It’s great to keep an eye on anyone sneaking up on you. And to see who’s in front of you. Based on my training I was shooting to run 7 min miles for the run. For some reason, I just couldn’t get my splits much under 7:30. I didn’t crumble. And I didn’t take it too easy only to start running 6:30’s for the last 3 miles, but I just didn’t have the run I wanted.

Which is why a couple days later I signed up for the Toughman Half, a new half IM distance race in Westchester. That’s the great thing about racing. There really are no finish line. There’s just that place with the big digial clock where they take your picture and your chip off and feed you some food, so you can start training for the next race.